Yankees: Mariano Rivera receives Medal of Freedom from President Trump

A five-time Yankees World Series Champion, World Series MVP, ALCS MVP, 13-time All-Star, All-Time Saves Leader and 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee, Mariano Rivera adds another very special award to his already legendary resume.

On Monday, September 16, 2019, nearly a month and a half after being inducted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, Yankees great Mariano Rivera made his way to our nation’s capital to be awarded the highest civilian honor by President Donald Trump.

Rivera joins George Herman “Babe” Ruth (2018) and Yogi Berra (2015) as the only New York Yankees to ever receive this honor.

Trump paid great homage to MLB’s all-time saves leader on Monday, saying that he is, without a doubt, the most dominant relief pitcher in baseball history. Via AFB:

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"“Mariano Rivera has made contributions to American sports, culture and society,” Trump said. “He is the most dominant relief pitcher in the history of baseball.“More than that, he has lived the American dream and shines as an example of American greatness for all to see.”"

Over his 19-year career, Rivera helped the Bombers to five World Series Championships, seven American League Pennants and 10 American League East Division titles, while mastering the cutter en route to becoming the all-time saves leader with 652 career saves.

Rivera and Trump have known to be close friends, as The Sandman continued to support Trump when the latter was elected into office back in 2017. Per Bill Baer of NBC Sports.

"“Mr. President Trump to me, he was a friend of mine before he became president. So, because he’s president I will turn my back on him? No. I respect him. I respect what he does and I believe he’s doing the best for the United States of America.”"

Rivera has recently stated that he served on Donald Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission, that took place in 2017, as well as co-chairing The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition in 2018.

Rivera’s honor is well deserved, as the former Yankees closer’s heart has won him over with the country a lot more than the 2.21 ERA that he retired with.